Professor Baggett discussed the graphic design elements of recent political campaigns, showing poster designs of various campaign advertising to illustrate the various ways graphic design can influence voter behavior. Topics discussed included recent presidential campaign slogans that appealed to young adult voters, posters designed to remind underrepresented groups to vote, and the process of selecting political logos.

“Design plays an important role in political campaigns, both explicitly and in ways the average voter might not be aware,” she said.

Professor Mann spoke about the evolution of political ads since the 1950s, showing various televised commercials from over the decades. Professor Kuo discussed how marketing research can measure voters’ responses to political campaigns, and help politicans to better target their advertising strategies.

Over the course of the two-day Behind the Ballot symposium, LSU hosted 24 events in 10 different buildings across campus involving over 70 panelists, at least 6 of whom flew in for the event, and welcomed more than 800 participants, who were supported by more than 40 volunteers. More importantly, our students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to come together and appreciate the importance of civic engagement while learning about the value every vote holds.